Grey's Anatomy: Unraveling the Epic Universe - A Deep Dive into All 3 Spin-offs and their Intricate Connections

Summary

Grey's Anatomy has three spin-off series, including Private Practice, Station 19, and Grey's Anatomy: B-Team, all connected to the main show.

The spin-offs of Grey's Anatomy have achieved different levels of success, yet they have generated audience interest thanks to the devoted fanbase of the show. Additionally, Grey's Anatomy has incorporated crossover episodes with its spin-offs, featuring significant characters from both shows, thereby strengthening their interconnected universe.

There are three Grey's Anatomy spin-off series that are connected to the main show, continuing the legacy of one of the longest-running and most popular television shows in history. The 19th season of the series premiered in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down. Grey's Anatomy follows the typical storyline of medical dramas, focusing on the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings as they navigate the challenges of balancing their personal and professional lives, which often intertwine.

The series is primarily led by Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo), one of the few characters who has remained on the show since its debut in season 1 and has continued to stay on through season 19. While many other characters have either left Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (formerly known as Seattle Grace Hospital) or have been written off the show, a few of them have found their way into one of the Grey's Anatomy spin-off series. These spin-offs have had varying levels of success, but all have managed to generate audience interest due to the dedicated fanbase. They have even started to crossover into unrelated shows, expanding their reach beyond the medical drama genre.

Private Practice (2007-2013)

Private Practice was the first spin-off series of Grey's Anatomy, focusing on Dr. Addison Montgomery as she departed Seattle Grace Hospital to join a private practice in Los Angeles. The show revolved around the Seaside Health & Wellness Center (formerly known as the Oceanside Wellness Group) and featured several crossover storylines with Grey's Anatomy. Each season of Private Practice had at least one connection to the original show, some more prominent than others.

After a successful run of six seasons and over 100 episodes, Private Practice concluded in 2013. It achieved a rare accomplishment by introducing Amelia Shepherd as a character in the spin-off, only to have her join the main series as a regular later on. This exemplifies the long-lasting impact of Grey's Anatomy. Additionally, in 2021, Addison herself made a return to the series and reconnected with Amelia.

Station 19 (2018-Present)

The second spin-off of Grey's Anatomy is called Station 19, and unlike its predecessor, it is not centered around hospitals. Set in Seattle like Grey's Anatomy, Station 19 follows the lives of the brave men and women at Seattle Fire Station 19. The show features talented actors such as Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jason George, Grey Damon, and Barrett Doss. It was introduced in season 14 of Grey's Anatomy, specifically in episode 13, when firefighters were brought to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital after a fire incident. Unlike the spin-off show Private Practice, Station 19 has been ongoing and is now heading into its seventh season.

Notable crossovers have occurred between Station 19 and Grey's Anatomy, with beloved characters like Meredith and Miranda making appearances. Sometimes, these crossovers serve as integral parts of major storylines, while other times, they simply make cameo appearances to remind viewers of the shared universe of these shows. With the upcoming seventh season, Station 19 will surpass the milestone of 100 episodes, further solidifying its status as an iconic part of Shonda Rhimes' franchise.

Grey's Anatomy: B-Team (2018)

Every Crossover Episode Between Grey's Anatomy & Its Spinoffs

The Grey's Anatomy spin off series naturally had occasional overlaps with the original series, with the exception of Grey's Anatomy: B-Team, which remained separate throughout. A total of 45 crossover episodes were shared between the Grey's Anatomy spin offs and the main series on regular network television.

Crossovers between Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice:

Grey’s Anatomy: 3×22 and 3×23, "The Other Side of This Life" Parts 1 and 2

Private Practice: 1×01, "In Which We Meet Addison, a Nice Girl From Somewhere Else"

Grey’s Anatomy: 4×13, "Piece of My Heart"

Grey’s Anatomy: 5×14, "Beat Your Heart Out"

Private Practice: 2×15, "Acceptance"

Grey’s Anatomy: 5×15, "Before and After"

Private Practice: 2×16, "Ex-Life"

Grey’s Anatomy: 5×16, "An Honest Mistake"

Grey’s Anatomy: 6×05, "Invasion"

Private Practice: 3×03 "Right Here, Right Now"

Grey’s Anatomy: 6×11, "Blink"

Private Practice: 3×11, "Another Second Chance"

Grey’s Anatomy: 7×03, "Superfreak"

Grey’s Anatomy: 7×18, "Song Beneath the Song"

Grey’s Anatomy: 8×13, "If/Then"

Grey’s Anatomy: 8×15, "Have You Seen Me Lately?"

Private Practice: 5×15, "You Break My Heart"

Crossovers between Grey's Anatomy and Station 19:

Grey’s Anatomy: 14×13, "You Really Got a Hold on Me"

Grey’s Anatomy: 15×04, "Momma Knows Best"

Station 19: 2×02, "Under the Surface"

Station 19: 2×14, "Friendly Fire"

Grey’s Anatomy: 15×23 "What I Did For Love"

Station 19: 2×15, "Always Ready"

Grey’s Anatomy: 16×09, "Let's All Go to the Bar"

Station 19: 3×01, "I Know This Bar"

Grey’s Anatomy: 16×10, "Help Me Through the Night"

Station 19: 3×05, "Into the Woods"

Grey’s Anatomy: 16×14, "A Diagnosis"

Station 19: 3×09, "Poor Wandering One"

Grey’s Anatomy: 16×18, "Give a Little Bit"

Station 19: 4×01, "Nothing Seems the Same"

Grey’s Anatomy: 17×01, "All Tomorrow's Parties"

Grey’s Anatomy: 17×02, "The Center Won't Hold"

Station 19: 4×05, "Out of Control"

Grey’s Anatomy: 17×06, "No Time for Despair"

Station 19: 4×06, "Train in Vain"

Grey’s Anatomy: 17×07, "Helplessly Hoping"

Station 19: 4×10, "Save Yourself"

Grey’s Anatomy: 17×11, "Sorry Doesn't Always Make It Right"

Station 19: 5×01, "Phoenix from the Flame"

Grey’s Anatomy: 18×01, "Here Comes the Sun"

Station 19: 5×05, "Things We Lost in the Fire"

Grey’s Anatomy: 18×05, "Bottle Up and Explode!"

Station 19: 5×09, "Started from the Bottom"

Grey's Anatomy: 19x09, TBA

With Grey's Anatomy continuously introducing new narratives, it's no wonder that there may be potential for additional spin-offs. The possibilities for these spin-offs are not confined to one specific location or city, as demonstrated by these three shows. Furthermore, as Ellen Pompeo departs after season 19, the show will need to broaden its storytelling scope beyond the character of Meredith Grey.

Will The Grey's Anatomy Japril Spinoff Happen

The potential spin off series that fans have been discussing revolves around the characters Jackson (played by Jesse Williams) and April (played by Sarah Drew). Affectionately referred to as "Japril" by fans, Williams and Drew have expressed their interest in this spin off from Grey's Anatomy. Throughout the show, Jackson and April faced numerous challenges, ultimately leaving the series to begin a life together in Boston. They made a reappearance in the show's 400th episode, still in a relationship.

In 2021, Drew expressed her desire for Japril to reunite in a spin off series centered around racial justice, medical field inequities, and equality. She stated this during an interview with reporters (via US Weekly). The President of ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, Craig Erwich, mentioned that while they always prioritize fan satisfaction, there have been no discussions about a Grey's Anatomy spin off at present. However, both Williams and Drew have expressed their willingness to participate should ABC decide to go ahead with it.

There's An Unexpected Grey's Anatomy Connection In Only Murders In The Building

Although Only Murders in the Building is not a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy, an unexpected connection was made between the two shows in season 3. Meryl Streep, playing the role of an aspiring actor named Loretta Durkin, was thrilled to be cast in a new Grey's Anatomy spin-off called Grey's New Orleans: Family Burn Unit. This nod to the show was made even better by the addition of Jesse Williams, a former cast member of Grey's Anatomy, to the cast of Only Murders in the Building. John Hoffman, the executive producer, mentioned that Williams reacted positively to the reference.

"Jesse had a very enthusiastic response. He found the reference to be hilarious during our Zoom table read. It's a genuine tribute. I mean, has there been a more successful show than Grey's Anatomy? It's a fantastic opportunity for an actress like Loretta to be a part of that.... Witnessing Meryl Streep's excitement for herself was like a dream come true."

In the end, this was simply Only Murders in the Building having a playful approach towards long-running procedurals and their numerous spin-offs, without actually suggesting the occurrence of a spin-off. The inclusion of Williams in the cast helped ensure that the joke was received lightheartedly, rather than being interpreted seriously or as a criticism of the series. However, considering the successful track record of Grey's Anatomy spin-offs, it would likely become popular if it were to become a reality.